A practical approach for simulation and manufacturing of a ball-end mill using a 5-axis CNC grinding machine

This paper presents a detailed manufacturing model that can be used for grinding a ball-end mill using 5-axis CNC (computer numerical controlled) grinding machine. The profile of the helical groove can be calculated exactly using the given wheel profile and relative movements between the workpiece and the grinding wheel. The proposed model is related to some analytical, differential geometry and kinematics to control the motions of the workpiece and grinding wheels in grinding processes. The manufacturing model presented in this paper provides a practical and efficient method for developing the simulation software for the design and the manufacture of a ball-end mill.